Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Lincoln University

A $21,000 starting salary with over $43,000 in debt creates an immediate red flag—this program ranks in the bottom 10% both nationally and among Missouri liberal arts programs. While earnings do jump substantially to $37,000 by year four, that still leaves graduates trailing the Missouri median of $37,600 for similar programs, and debt that's 50% higher than what Missouri students typically carry. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on this degree to improve their economic position, but these numbers suggest significant financial strain in those crucial early career years.

The earnings trajectory does show promise—that 76% growth rate indicates graduates eventually find their footing—but starting at just $21,000 makes those first few years exceptionally difficult, especially when loan payments kick in. Compare this to University of Missouri-Columbia, where liberal arts graduates earn $39,000 right out of the gate with less debt, or William Jewell College at over $50,000.

One major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so it may not represent the typical student experience. Still, even accounting for statistical noise, the combination of high debt and bottom-decile earnings should prompt serious questions about alternative programs in Missouri, where numerous schools deliver better outcomes for liberal arts students at lower cost.